Final answer:
In classical conditioning, elements within the environment refer to the different stimuli present during the conditioning process, such as the conditioning stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). The CS becomes a conditioned stimulus when it elicits the conditioned response (CR) on its own.
Step-by-step explanation:
In classical conditioning, elements within the environment refer to the different stimuli that are present during the conditioning process. The conditioning stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) are elements within the environment. The CS is a previously neutral stimulus that is associated with the unconditioned response (UCR) through repeated pairings with the UCS. When the CS elicits the conditioned response (CR) on its own, it becomes a conditioned stimulus.